HOLGUIN, February 8 (Juan Carlos Garcell, APLO / www.cubanet.org) -
National Police tightened controls on private transport workers January 31,
worsening the transportation situation in the municipalities of Moa and Sagua de
Tánamo, in easternmost Cuba.
Residents in these localities depend heavily on private operators, as public
service is almost nonexistent.
Police have been stopping operators driving their own cars for hire and
fining them. There have also been threats of confiscation, so vehicle owners
have been shying away from picking up passengers.
In addition, private operators complain local government agencies make it
difficult for them to obtain fuel, oil, tires, and spare parts, notwithstanding
that they are licensed to carry passengers.
"Private transport operators have to depend on the illegal market for
whatever they need to keep their cars running, police harass them, local
officials will not solve any problems, and in the meantime, people desperately
try to find transportation to work or wherever they are going," said one
resident of Moa.
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